Q&A for How to Use a Smartboard

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  • Question
    How do I connect my laptop to my SmartBoard?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    Typically, all you have to do is connect your SmartBoard to your laptop via a USB cable.
  • Question
    How do I get my computer screen to show on my SmartBoard?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    In order to display your computer's screen on the SmartBoard, make sure that your computer is set to "mirror display."
  • Question
    How do you turn on a SmartBoard?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    The SmartBoard connects to the computer via USB and then to an LCD projector. Make sure the projector is turned on. The SmartBoard should automatically be powered on if it is plugged into the computer and if the projector is turned on.
  • Question
    How do you write on a SmartBoard?
    Christopher Taylor, PhD
    English Professor
    Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.
    English Professor
    Expert Answer
    To write on a SmartBoard, simply use the provided stylus as if it were a pencil.
  • Question
    How do I convert handwriting to type?
    Community Answer
    By selecting "Convert handwriting to type" under File.
  • Question
    Can a PowerPoint program be used with a Smartboard?
    Community Answer
    Yes, a Smartboard can be used much like a giant touch screen. You would work the PowerPoint presentation the same as you would on your computer.
  • Question
    How do you center the smartboard?
    Community Answer
    Press both of the buttons at the same time. The buttons are located by all the pens in the middle.
  • Question
    I have a Smart Board on wheels without any connecting cords. Is the board usable? What do I need to make it usable?
    Community Answer
    You need to buy cords. It is your decision to buy markers.
  • Question
    What operating system is used?
    Community Answer
    The Smartboard software works for Windows 7 and up, and Mac OS X 10.10 and up.
  • Question
    Are there any classes I can take in person on how to teach a class using a Smartboard?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Many colleges offer classes for Smartboard use. There are also online courses you could possibly check out as well.
  • Question
    How can I watch a movie from my computer on a Smartboard?
    Community Answer
    All you have to do is open your normal DVD player and connect the computer to the Smartboard.
  • Question
    How do I turn on the touch feature?
    Community Answer
    Just tap the screen with your finger, it will automatically turn on. You can also run your finger gently across the board.
  • Question
    How can I create a poster for students on a smartboard?
    Community Answer
    You can use Smartboard Notebook to access other programs on the smartboard, like Photoshop. Just click the drop-down box and choose which program you want. You'll already have to have it installed on your computer, of course. You can have the kids work on the poster in class too by letting them use the pens to draw and write.
  • Question
    How do I keep the page from becoming narrower when I extend?
    Community Answer
    You can adjust the size of the page by tapping the Full Screen icon in the corner, or dragging your fingers across the corners of the page.
  • Question
    Can I use the smart board without a computer?
    Community Answer
    No, you need to be connected to a computer to activate it. You'll also need to have internet access for many smartboard functions.
  • Question
    This is not what the tray in my Smartboard looks like. There is no mouse button. I have a flashing white light on the left, and 4 color keys and then an eraser button.
    Community Answer
    The mouse button refers to the mouse on your computer. There are a few different models of smartboard available, so if yours doesn't look exactly like the one in the article, keep your operating manual on hand while you're learning! Most of the programs are the same from smartboard to smartboard.
  • Question
    How do I write with a smartboard onto any document on the screen?
    Community Answer
    Pick up the pen and press it against the screen. You'll be able to write just like you would with a regular whiteboard.
  • Question
    Can a smart board be used with a multi-media system?
    Community Answer
    Yes! You can access other programs via the dropdown box in the Smartboard Notebook on your computer.
  • Question
    Can a smartboard be used if it is not connected to a working computer?
    Community Answer
    No, it needs to be connected to a functional computer. You'll also need internet for most functions.
  • Question
    How do I watch DVDs on a Smartboard?
    Community Answer
    Open Windows Media Player or any other DVD player and insert the disc you want to watch.
  • Question
    Do I need a projector to have an image on my SmartBoard?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you do. The projector works with the SmartBoard software to show the images you want the students to learn.
  • Question
    How do I drag on the SmartBoard?
    Community Answer
    You can use one of the pens or your finger. The SmartBoard is touch sensitive, as are the pens.
  • Question
    I need to project workbook pages, how can I do this on a Smartboard?
    Community Answer
    If you have an Elmo, it can automatically show your workbook pages on the Smartboard. If you do not have an Elmo, then you will need to scan each workbook page and them convert the scanned pages into either PDF or Microsoft Office pages, then hook your computer to your Smartboard to display them.
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